Did you know that your partner could be conducting a virtual affair right under your nose? In the comfort of your own home to be precise! Find out if an online extramarital affair is jeopardizing your relationship.

Online Extramarital Affairs

Online extramarital affairs are a relatively new and easy way for people to cheat. Social media, instant messaging and chat rooms mean that we can now ‘meet’ infinite numbers of new people, by simply switching on our computers.

Even though those, who are participating in this virtual fantasy, may not even consider an internet affair as being unfaithful to their partner, an emotional bond is generally formed between the cyber lovers.

But, if no physical contact occurs, can these types of interactions really be classed as affairs?

Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security though. The pain of discovering that your partner has a cyber lover can be equally as painful as traditional infidelity. Often, the fact that these cyber or virtual affairs are carried out in your own home can make the betrayal even harder to bear.

Worryingly, online affairs are frequently a precursor to extramarital affairs.

Online Affair Definition

Online infidelity is a romantic or cyber liaison that is facilitated by social media sites, chat rooms, instant messenger, dating websites or virtual games (eg Second Life and World of Warcraft). Those who participate in online affairs often don’t consider it as cheating on their partner due to the virtual, ‘fantasy’ nature of the interaction.

However, the ‘fantasy’ element of the relationship makes it almost impossible for the ‘real-life’ partner to compete. The cheating partner is effectively creating his or her idea of the perfect lover.

They also tend to experience guilt to a far lesser extent than they would in traditional, ‘physical’ transgressions.

The Online Affair

The internet affair typically begins with an intimate and passionate exchange of messages or emails between two strangers. This divulgence of desires inevitably leads to a heightened state of arousal. Some virtual lovers then take the next step and begin interacting via web cam.

The relationship becomes increasingly suggestive as the couple can now speak and also see each other. This often leads to one or both parties exposing themselves and committing intimate acts.

Is an Online Affair Really Cheating?

Many cyber lovers do not believe that they are being unfaithful ‘for real.’ Understandably so, some may say, as no physical contact occurs. So, how can these types of interactions possibly be classed as affairs? How can someone be cheating, when the other person is hundreds or even thousands of miles away?

Their ‘real-life’ partners, on the other hand, would beg to differ.

Although no physical cheating occurs, an emotional relationship is formed which is both intimate and often explicit. This is typically achieved by an exchange of dialogue and, more often than not, by undertaking physical acts which are mutually viewed via webcams.

Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security though. The pain of discovering that your partner has a cyber lover can be equally as painful as traditional infidelity. Furthermore, the fact that these cyber or virtual affairs are carried out in the shared home can make the betrayal even harder to bear.

Flirting and being intimate with another person is cheating, no matter how you dress it up. If a webcam is involved then the cyber lovers may even have exposed themselves to each other whilst committing acts that should only be undertaken within the confines of a relationship .

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